Boris Johnson’s government has been accused of rushing into post-Brexit trade deals with countries where workers’ rights are systematically violated or denied, including five out of the 10 worst offenders worldwide. Trade union leaders and Labour said the UK government was turning its back on workers around the world and neglecting its commitment to fundamental human and labour rights in the scramble to demonstrate the benefits of Brexit by striking free trade deals outside the EU. – Guardian
Almost two million UK bitcoin traders have been blocked from cashing in their cryptocurrency gains after trading hub Binance suspended the use of bank cards. The ban on card withdrawals leaves customers with no easy way of taking out their funds, and comes after Binance previously blocked transfers directly to a bank account. It follows a rare intervention by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which has said the company cannot offer regulated finance services. – Telegraph
Google will crack down on scam advertisements following pressure from the FCA, and require all financial services to verify their identity with the City’s regulator before promoting on the platform. The online giant said the new measures would come into place from September 6, while advertisers must prove their authorisation by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) beforehand. – Telegraph
The 144 partners and senior executives at the private equity group behind itsu sushi and MotoGP racing are set to crystallise personal wealth of about £1.6 billion by floating their business. Bridgepoint, which was spun out of NatWest Bank 21 years ago, announced plans to seek a premium listing in London, where it is based, and raise £300 million in equity in a flotation expected to value the enlarged business at between £2 billion and £2.5 billion. – The Times
The cost of servicing Britain’s £2.2 trillion debt could rise to a postwar high if inflation is allowed to take off, the Bank for International Settlements has warned. Sounding the alert about the risk of a global surge in inflation, the Swiss-based institution known as the central bank for central banks said that the combination of households spending their lockdown savings and government stimulus plans could unlock a price spiral. – The Times
